From Hull City reaching the FA Cup final to Siemens announcing its 1,000-job plant, it has been a memorable 2014. To celebrate Christmas, Brad Rial picks out 25 of our favourite good news stories from the past 12 months.
1) Siemens comes to Hull
Hull's economy was given an enormous boost when German wind turbine giant Siemens announced in March plans for a multi-million pound factory in the city.
The £160m investment will mean up to 1,000 jobs being created at the Green Port Hull site at Alexandra Dock, with as many as 10,000 more in the supply chains and related businesses.
So important was the news, Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson called it "quite simply, the biggest economic development in the long and proud history of Hull".
Prime Minister David Cameron added: "This investment is going to create lots of new jobs and opportunities, meaning more financial security and peace of mind for families and a more resilient economy for our country."
2) 10-year-old girl donates her hair to friend with alopecia
It is a story that touched the hearts of thousands of Mail readers. When her best friend Elisha Hooley was diagnosed with alopecia, selfless ten-year-old Lea Turnell decided to have her hair cut off to make Elisha a wig.
"It's just an amazing thing for her to do," said Lea's mum, Sarah. "It has been so hard for Elisha and Lea just wants to try to make it easier for her."
Elisha's mum Caroline said: "Elisha is a very emotional little girl and she is very worried about going to secondary school. She is scared some of the girls will say, 'Why haven't you got any hair?'
"All I want is to see my little girl smile again."
3) Hull City reach the FA Cup Final
So near, yet so far. After an unforgettable semi-final against Sheffield United, Hull City created history in May by reaching their first ever FA Cup final.
And after going 2-0 up against Arsenal inside eight minutes at Wembley, the Tigers faithful were in dreamland.
Alas, Arsenal's class eventually told and Aaron Ramsey's goal in extra-time ended the Gunners' nine-year trophy drought.
But while it may have ended in heartache, Saturday, May 17, 2014, will live long in the memory of Hull City supporters.
4) Kristian Nicholson in emotional reunion with family after nine-month Iraq nightmare
Hull man Kristian Nicholson was finally reunited with his family in September after spending nine months stranded in Iraq. He said he would never take life for granted again.
Fears had grown for Mr Nicholson's safety when his passport was confiscated by police in January, after he was involved in a car crash that claimed the life of another passenger.
He spent 65 days in jail and was then stuck in Erbil, a city which has been targeted by terrorists. His family feared he would never return, but in September, they had an emotional reunion at Paragon Station.
Mr Nicholson, a former RAF interpreter and Middle East security specialist, said: "I will never forget being over there but I know I am a better person for going through it. I won't take things for granted any more, it is the tiny things that make you realise how lucky you are."
5) Reckitt Benckiser commits its future to Hull with £100m investment
It is one of Hull's most famous companies, with roots in Hull back to 1840 and its founder Isaac Reckitt.
And this year, Reckitt Benckiser committed its future to the city by announcing a £100m investment in a new Centre of Scientific Excellence.
The plans are expected to safeguard 1,000 jobs.
Chancellor George Osborne visited Hull to welcome the news. He said: "A key part of our long-term economic plan is making the UK a world leader in science and innovation, and the new state-of-the-art Centre of Scientific Excellence will help us deliver this, giving greater economic security for hard-working people."
6) My left foot is now my knee: Amputee has radical surgery to help her walk unaided
After being diagnosed with bone cancer for a second time, 22-year-old Jordon Moody was faced with a life-changing dilemma.
Doctors gave her two choices: have her leg completely amputated or undergo a radical form of surgery known as rotationplasty, which would result in her left foot replacing her knee joint.
Jordon opted for the latter. Surgeons amputated her thigh and reattached the bottom part of her leg, which has been twisted 180 degrees so her toes are pointing backwards and her heel is at the front. Now, she will have a chance to walk again unaided when a prosthetic leg is fitted to her new "knee".
She said: "It was definitely awkward-looking and it wasn't normal, so it was a shock when I saw it and it did take some getting used it. But now, it just seems totally normal to me."
7) New Dad's Army movie filmed in Bridlington
Don't panic! Those missing the classic comedy Dad's Army need not fear – for it is to return, this time on the big screen and set in Bridlington, aka Walmington-on-Sea.
When filming began in November, star-spotters couldn't get enough of Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bill Nighy, Toby Jones and co. And the local links didn't end there, because Hull-born Tom Courtenay is stepping into Clive Dunn's shoes as Lance-Corporal Jones.
Bridlington Mayor Councillor Shelagh Finlay said: "It is great news for the town that it is going to be the location of the film of such an iconic series. It will certainly enhance the profile of Bridlington."
The film is due to be released in February, 2016.
8) Photo brings couple together 13 years after first kiss – now they're married
Standing with his arm around his girl, six-year-old Jamie Burrows is bursting with pride. But little did the childhood sweethearts know this photograph would bring them back together after 13 years apart.
Jamie, 24, who married fiancé Sami Musgrave, 23, in May, met when they were barely out of playschool at Jamie's birthday party where, boldly, little Sami planted a kiss on Jamie's red-blushed cheek and won his heart forever.
"It was my sixth birthday and she tagged along with her brother, who was my friend," said Jamie. "I don't remember the picture being taken, but I do remember people making a big deal out of her kissing me and me going red. After that, I think I played with Sami more than I did her brother."
Their friendship came to an abrupt end when, a year later, Jamie's family moved from Willerby to Anlaby and they lost touch.
Then, 13 years later, by chance, Jamie spotted Sami, a nursery nurse, as she celebrated her 18th birthday with a friend outside a Hull restaurant and recognised her straightaway.
"She obviously thought I was crazy but I used the picture as an excuse to talk to her and she soon fell for my charm," he said. Now, the couple have two children and were married in May.
9) Six-year-old Jacob Salmon vows to 'kick cancer's butt'
Young Jacob Salmon from east Hull inspired many readers with his memorable words, "I will kick cancer's butt".
Far from being scared of his disease, the six-year-old took two months of intensive treatment at Sheffield Children's hospital in his stride.
His mum, Joanne, couldn't be prouder. She said: "Each time I thought it was over and each time I thought it was goodbye. But he is an unbelievable fighter and he is still fighting now."
Jacob, who is battling battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, was among children who were flown to Lapland this month to meet Father Christmas.
10) Sid Marshall leaves £50,000 to Dove House Hospice
Sid Marshall was always known for his generosity, and although he is no longer with us, that generosity is still being felt.
After he died of cancer in at the age of 86, his sisters discovered Sid had left £50,000-worth of BP shares to Dove House Hospice.
Mrs Thompson, 76, said: "We weren't surprised he would do a thing like this. He was that kind of man. But it's a good feeling to hand over his shares certificate. It is what Sid wanted to do and we're happy to do it for him."
11) Humber Street Sesh
"The best yet" is a phrase often bandied about but it certainly rung true for this year's Humber Street Sesh.
Visitors to the annual Fruit Market event braved heavy rain to enjoy 180 musicians on 11 stages.
One visitor, Sharon Worsnop, said: "I am Hull born and bred and this is absolutely brilliant. It makes me emotional to see it and think about it. It is bringing everybody together and I think the people of Hull should be proud of what they have got."
Luke Chambers, who performed as Nineties Boy, said: "It is absolutely amazing. I thought the rain might put people off, but it hasn't at all, it is packed. The whole event is a testament to the city and a celebration of the music and culture that we have here.
"It's the best one so far; the people of Hull have come out to celebrate their city."
12) Nancy Birtwhistle wins Great British Bake Off
For Hull-born Nancy Birtwhistle, the taste of victory was very sweet indeed. Nancy, 60, fought off all competition to be named the winner of the Great British Bake Off 2014.
The Hull City season ticket holder, who was raised in the city but now lives in Barton-on-Humber, baked her speciality of windmill cake, flavoured with orange and ginger, to wow judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry and earn the crown.
Nancy said: "I don't know how I'm feeling. I am absolutely overwhelmed and speechless but very emotional. I can't believe I have won it."
13) Housemartins reunite for an Adelphi Caravan of Love
Three members of The Housemartins were reunited on stage for the first time in more than 20 years for the New Adelphi club's 30th anniversary celebrations.
Back in October, drummer Hugh Whitaker and guitarist Stan Cullimore joined Paul Heaton to play their 1980s favourite Me And The Farmer. Stan and Paul then sang the their Number One hit Caravan of Love.
Ed Faulkner, who performs in The Beautiful Couch tribute band and attended the gig, said: "It was a privilege to be there. To see Stan and Hugh on stage with them was amazing and it will probably never happen again."
14) Lee Newton and L6ve Life raise £100,000
Father-of-two Lee Newton thanked supporters for helping him realise his dream of raising £100,000 for good causes by Christmas. Mr Newton, 43, is battling motor neurone disease and has vowed to help inspire others, while doing his bit to find a cure for the condition, which kills five people a day in the UK. The former Skirlaugh ARLFC rugby player established the L6ve Life Foundation – the "6" being his old squad number – in June. He said: "Thank you to all my family and friends. I am really proud of what we have achieved. It is an amazing amount." His wife Caroline added: "Miracles can and do happen."
15) Holy Trinity Church to become Hull Minster
When Archbishop of York John Sentamu visited Holy Trinity Church last month for the unveiling of an ambitious £4.5m makeover, he surprised everybody by announcing the church will become a minster.
Archbishop Sentamu told the Mail: "There are cathedrals that are not anywhere near as good as this church. It is amazing. It is a building that is testament to the non-withdrawing character of Hull. It has stood through two world wars, the loss of the fishing industry and times of deep recession."
Under plans drawn up with the council, Trinity Square will be transformed into a piazza, while the church will be remodeled "to create a new flexible space" for banquets, concerts and cultural events.
Reverend Canon Dr Neal Barnes, Holy Trinity's vicar,said: "Holy Trinity is a beautiful and inspiring building and these changes will enable us to do amazing things and offer amazing experiences within magnificent surroundings."
16) £2 scratch card wins Tesco worker £250,000
Winning £250,000 off a £2 scratch card is an amazing return, so it's hardly surprising Hull FC fan Lewis Preston couldn't believe his luck back in June, especially as he bought it on the spur of the moment.
"I didn't believe it," he said. "I made the person I was on the shift with check that I had won and their eyes almost fell out of their head and they said 'Yeah, you've won'."
Lewis vowed to spend the money wisely. He said: "I can make myself mortgage-free now. I'm going to carry on working, hopefully, set myself off as a driving instructor."
17) Hull's first same-sex wedding celebrated at the Guildhall
Hull's first same-sex wedding took place back in March, five years to the day after the happy couple met.
Jenna Middleton and Sammy Spence tied the knot at the Guildhall and then hailed their marriage as a milestone occasion.
"Being able to get married today shows we are now equal to other married couples and this is a great milestone for same sex couples," said Jenna.
"It's a day to remember for many reasons and it's fantastic that we could share it with our family and friends in the beautiful Guildhall."
18) 'Robert Plant served me biscuits'
They say you should never meet your heroes, but when 21-year-old Scott Irvine met Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, he was surprised by just how down-to-earth the Led Zep star was, even to the extent of serving biscuits.
Mr Irvine was being treated for burns at Goole and District Hospital, when Mr Plant arrived to visit a family friend.
He said: "Staff told me Robert Plant was coming so I asked if I could meet him and get a photo. I thought I would be awestruck but I wasn't as he was so down to earth and such a regular guy.
"He gave me an album and also a ticket to go to see him perform in Hull."
19) Baby joy at last for Hull mum who had five miscarriages
After suffering the heartbreak of five miscarriages, Hull woman Gemma Cheney gave birth to a baby boy in July. Fifteen months of struggle were given the perfect ending with the birth of little Stanley
Gemma, 31, said: "A massive weight has been lifted. All I have worried about for 15 months is pregnancy but now, I haven't got a care in the world.
"Stanley is completely worth everything we went through. Parents going through the same thing shouldn't listen to anyone else but themselves and, if it is what they want, they should never give up."
20) £104m government investment to create jobs in Hull
Some 6,000 long-term jobs are to be created in the Humber region after the Government announced it will pump nearly £104m into the region's economy.
The cash, combined with £98.5m from partner agencies in the region and £165.1m from businesses, will kick start a host of projects aimed at making East Yorkshire an industrial powerhouse. It will support a massive flood defence programme, thousands of new and refurbished homes across Hull and a rail electrification programme to connect the city with others in the north.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg hailed the announcement as "a really important day for the people of Hull".
21) Hope Rooms named the Pride of East Yorkshire
Acts of bravery, selflessness and inspiration were celebrated at the Mail's second annual Pride of East Yorkshire awards in September. The event celebrates the unsung heroes in our community – those who give a little extra, who sacrifice a little more, and who do it either against the odds or with little recognition.
Hope Rooms, diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, won the overall award for showing "a special resilience, a strength of character beyond her years, to take on a terrible disease head on with guts and with a smile".
The 13-year-old Hull Collegiate pupil inspired Mail readers by declaring, "I am not dying of cancer but living with it. My problem is not as bad as other world problems, such as hunger and illness."
22) Brave Rhea-Olivia Thomas beats all the odds to survive car crash
A three-year-old girl from Hull beat all the odds to cling to life following a car crash.
Young Rhea-Olivia Thomas was given just a one per cent chance of recovery after the crash left her in a coma. But she has shown a bravery that defies her age.
Her mum Sotanis spoke of her pride. She said: "Rhea-Olivia is improving every day and my hope is that she might walk on her own.
"I'm watching my baby learn to walk all over again. But it's amazing and I am so proud with every step she takes in her recovery."
23) Mail reader offers a car to 17-year-old Beth Fuller who is fighting fibromyalgia
The Mail's story about 17-year-old Beth Fuller, who suffers from a condition called fibromyalgia that leaves her in almost constant pain, struck a chord with one reader.
The reader, who wanted to remain anonymous, offered Beth a car to make her life less difficult.
He said: "I was really touched by Beth's story and I wanted to help her get a bit more independence.
"She mentioned in the article that she has to travel to Sheffield for a pain clinic. I thought a car might make life a little easier."
24) Graham Middleton named Fan of Pride for Steve Prescott campaign
He led a campaign for rugby league's Man of Steel award to be named after the late Steve Prescott. And in October, Hull FC fan Graham Middleton picked up an award of his own.
The lifelong Airlie Birds supporter was crowned this year's Brut Fan of Pride, a competition that aims to find the best fan in Super League.
Mr Middleton was understandably delighted that he was chosen. He said: "Although it's absolutely fantastic to have been voted Fan of Pride, it's just such a shame that Steve wasn't actually with us for the first awarding of the Steve Prescott Man of Steel Award.
"I'm totally, totally overwhelmed to have won it."
25) 'Thank you for saving Christmas'
A Hull man's faith in humanity was restored after Mail readers rallied round to save his Christmas.
When Andrew St John Campbell returned home from holiday to find many of his possessions stolen, he feared his daughters would have a Christmas to forget. But when the burglary was featured in the Mail, readers stepped forward with new gifts.
He said: "The response since I told my story has been overwhelming. I wasn't expecting anything like this, I just wanted the thieves caught. But this has certainly restored my faith in people."
